COIN LESSONS LEARNED Presented at: The Counterinsurgency Leaders Workshop 28 October 2009 US Army

2. Agenda Recent Lessons Learned Afghanistan Paradoxes of COIN Observations Brief 2

3. 3 A deeper understanding of Pashtun/Afghan culture needed to be undertaken: Pashtunwali (�The Way of the Pashtun� ) ---------------------- Equality - 1,000 year old culture based on strict code of family ties are first and foremost. No Pashtun is above another. (Decisions are made as a group not as individuals.) Nang � Honor of the Warrior! Quanang Honor and Lowland Honor; The �so what� being that traditionally the mountain Pashtuns raided lowland fertile areas for food etc�. It is their way of life because there are few resources in the mountains and mountain tribes don�t retreat. It is said, �Things do not get serious until after the battle is won, then we negotiate.�. FIGHTING IS HONORABLE!!! Badal � From Revenge; �Kill one enemy, make ten�; all the way to Redress (release from distress) or compensation for wrong or loss. Nanawatey � Refuge/protection. OR Mercy to a defeated enemy. The asking for mercy, looked at as asking from a position of weakness. Malmastia - Welcome. Tribal hospitality. A deeper understanding of Pashtun/Afghan culture needed to be undertaken: Pashtunwali (�The Way of the Pashtun� ) ---------------------- Equality - 1,000 year old culture based on strict code of family ties are first and foremost. No Pashtun is above another. (Decisions are made as a group not as individuals.) Nang � Honor of the Warrior! Quanang Honor and Lowland Honor; The �so what� being that traditionally the mountain Pashtuns raided lowland fertile areas for food etc�. It is their way of life because there are few resources in the mountains and mountain tribes don�t retreat. It is said, �Things do not get serious until after the battle is won, then we negotiate.�. FIGHTING IS HONORABLE!!! Badal � From Revenge; �Kill one enemy, make ten�; all the way to Redress (release from distress) or compensation for wrong or loss. Nanawatey � Refuge/protection. OR Mercy to a defeated enemy. The asking for mercy, looked at as asking from a position of weakness. Malmastia - Welcome. Tribal hospitality.

4. 4 Tribalism is something that can fade into the background when times are good, but easily comes back to the surface in bad times or when a community is under stress. Ghilzias, formed the backbone of the resistance to the Russians, then the backbone against the corrupt warlords that took over in the wake of the Russians or rather �their� Afghan Government (at that time). However, now, Durrannis who left, sent their children to be educated in the west are back and they are in charge. Tribalism is something that can fade into the background when times are good, but easily comes back to the surface in bad times or when a community is under stress. Ghilzias, formed the backbone of the resistance to the Russians, then the backbone against the corrupt warlords that took over in the wake of the Russians or rather �their� Afghan Government (at that time). However, now, Durrannis who left, sent their children to be educated in the west are back and they are in charge.

5. Twelve Culture Questions Who founded the country? Who brought it to its modern form? What is customary during greeting and departing (shake hands, kiss, and bowing)? What typically defines a community or neighborhoods, for example, economic, ethnic, tribal, religious, or political traits? Where are the neighborhood boundaries? What is the role of religious leaders within the society? How do the people receive information? Radio, TV, newspaper, meetings, word of mouth)? What civil and human rights do the populace hold most sacred? How respected is military service in the culture? How are veterans treated? Do the people identify themselves with organizations or affiliations (tribes, religions, ethnicity, provinces/regions, classes, occupations, and common language)? How do they correct social mistakes? What are their favorite holidays, and how do they celebrate them? What types of food do they eat during holidays and special occasions? Who or what do people fear? What is the country recognized for inventing or discovering? What do the people generally believe their country invented or discovered? 5

6. 6 Politics & security is local. Empower leaders � de facto government -- with understanding the basics of local governance. Need to shift emphasis to local leaders Need to develop local leadership However, Constant tension between local Shiras/Militias and National GIRA/ANSF becomes a double edged sword. Trying to impose Government on/in a place that does not want that form of government becomes even more difficult. People are most effected by the local level of government we need to empower them we need to develop them. The failure to have district elections in 2005 has meant that district governors have been appointed that are not elected by the people, not from the people i.e. not of their tribe and have no qualifications or educations. Then look to the recent National elections with fraud and corruption! Pashtun Wali emphasizes the village level of gov�t, protection, and rule of law; a �local solution�. However, every time we try to emphasize the �local� there is tension from Kabul. People are most effected by the local level of government we need to empower them we need to develop them. The failure to have district elections in 2005 has meant that district governors have been appointed that are not elected by the people, not from the people i.e. not of their tribe and have no qualifications or educations. Then look to the recent National elections with fraud and corruption! Pashtun Wali emphasizes the village level of gov�t, protection, and rule of law; a �local solution�. However, every time we try to emphasize the �local� there is tension from Kabul.

7. 7 We have been successful at targeting ACF middle level leadership and defeating the TB in the field in stand up fights. This has forces them to shift tactics into taking us on with IEDs and suicide bombers, but these statistics indicate that it is Afghans that are being targeted in order to separate the gov�t from its people and demonstrate our helplessness. We have been successful at targeting ACF middle level leadership and defeating the TB in the field in stand up fights. This has forces them to shift tactics into taking us on with IEDs and suicide bombers, but these statistics indicate that it is Afghans that are being targeted in order to separate the gov�t from its people and demonstrate our helplessness.

8. 8 Lessons Learned: Afghanistan Insurgency focused in mountainous/rural areas Reconstruction has been centered on urban centers Over 50% of reconstruction spending has occurred in Kabul Few PRTs in rural areas only 23% of pop is urban 77% Rural $5 per yr per Afghan spent on in-country aid It is an academic debate on whether there is even an insurgency in Afghanistan. There is no alternate form of government vying for power. I would submit there is more of a fight to establish rule of law and legitimacy in areas that are ungoverned. The reconstruction to date has been less than what the Soviets accomplished in their first 7 years. We are not going to �win them over� by building them schools. There is a rising level of frustration because of lack of reconstruction outside of the major cities. Remember that when you ask Afghans to support the IRoA you are asking them to support and possibly die for a government that has never done anything for them. They have observed no positive changes in their area and have felt few if any positive effects from the government. It is an academic debate on whether there is even an insurgency in Afghanistan. There is no alternate form of government vying for power. I would submit there is more of a fight to establish rule of law and legitimacy in areas that are ungoverned. The reconstruction to date has been less than what the Soviets accomplished in their first 7 years. We are not going to �win them over� by building them schools. There is a rising level of frustration because of lack of reconstruction outside of the major cities. Remember that when you ask Afghans to support the IRoA you are asking them to support and possibly die for a government that has never done anything for them. They have observed no positive changes in their area and have felt few if any positive effects from the government.

9. 9 Coalition Forces have made promises that we haven�t kept � reconstruction � this greatly contributes to sense of frustration in the countryside. Lack of GIRoA action Man on the moon syndrome Influence of IRoA ends where the blacktop ends. Movement of troops/resources Less roads in the whole of Afghanistan than in the city of Ottawa (2,800km) Roads bring prosperity, they are at least the start point for rebuilding. Another error in this picture is the fact that a CIDA person is helping out the Afghan and not another Afghan.Roads bring prosperity, they are at least the start point for rebuilding. Another error in this picture is the fact that a CIDA person is helping out the Afghan and not another Afghan.

10. 10 We are too road-centric; stealing pages from Russian playbook: Heavy road bound vehicles Clear by fires Clinging to FOBs The statement has been made and I agree that the influence of IRoA ends where the blacktop ends. That does not mean that everyone else supports ACM. It means that Afghans not connected by hard ball road have felt no positive impact from the government. It is just a fact you have to take into consideration. ACM = Anti-Coalition Militia The current conduct of the COIN looks just like what the Soviets did. We have settled down nicely in comfortable areas and sally forth to fight or move from FOB to FOB. In order to be effective we are going to have to get off the FOBs, get in with the people, walk the mountains, and get to enemy safe havens in the mountains. Study the last year and a half of the Soviet/Afghan War and note the success that Soviet light-infantry formations with combined arms had against the Muhj.The statement has been made and I agree that the influence of IRoA ends where the blacktop ends. That does not mean that everyone else supports ACM. It means that Afghans not connected by hard ball road have felt no positive impact from the government. It is just a fact you have to take into consideration. ACM = Anti-Coalition Militia The current conduct of the COIN looks just like what the Soviets did. We have settled down nicely in comfortable areas and sally forth to fight or move from FOB to FOB. In order to be effective we are going to have to get off the FOBs, get in with the people, walk the mountains, and get to enemy safe havens in the mountains. Study the last year and a half of the Soviet/Afghan War and note the success that Soviet light-infantry formations with combined arms had against the Muhj.

11. 11 Coalition Forces not arrayed to protect the Afghan populace. Numerous FOBs and COPs on poorly selected terrain outside of built up areas. Coalition forces most successful where they have lived amongst the people and gained their confidence. Bn level cordon and search ops are not as effective as targeting ops with ANSF. We are well protected but, we are not protecting the people that is a big mistake Change in mindset from protect self to protect Afghans. We are not going to make headway in the COIN until we (with the ANA/ANP) start to protect the Afghan people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those that support us die because we are unwilling to head out in the darkness of the night to ensure that they are protected. Recommend you look at changing Force Protection to mean not only those measures that protect the unit but also those measures that protect the people. If the people are truly the CoG in the COIN in Afghanistan, what steps are we taking to protect our CoG? By going outside the wire we may think the environment will be more dangerous, but actually the danger level goes down. Think of Stockholm Syndrome!!! We are well protected but, we are not protecting the people that is a big mistake Change in mindset from protect self to protect Afghans. We are not going to make headway in the COIN until we (with the ANA/ANP) start to protect the Afghan people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those that support us die because we are unwilling to head out in the darkness of the night to ensure that they are protected. Recommend you look at changing Force Protection to mean not only those measures that protect the unit but also those measures that protect the people. If the people are truly the CoG in the COIN in Afghanistan, what steps are we taking to protect our CoG? By going outside the wire we may think the environment will be more dangerous, but actually the danger level goes down. Think of Stockholm Syndrome!!!

12. 12 Secure areas established and expanded (think ink spot).

13. 13 We talk to those who are doing well, like those in the gov�t. Example: You do not deliver humanitarian assistance. You give the assistance to the Afghan Security Force commander who will meet with the leaders of an area. Those tribal leaders, in a Shura, will determine where the humanitarian aid goes and to whom. REFUGEEs are a current consideration and future problem as displaced Afghans want to or are forced to return. We talk to those who are doing well, like those in the gov�t. Example: You do not deliver humanitarian assistance. You give the assistance to the Afghan Security Force commander who will meet with the leaders of an area. Those tribal leaders, in a Shura, will determine where the humanitarian aid goes and to whom. REFUGEEs are a current consideration and future problem as displaced Afghans want to or are forced to return.

14. 14 Medical clinics very effective. Brings good intelligence from locals Women needed for clinics HUMINT brought most intelligence. NDS very good at intelligence. NDS � National Defense SystemNDS � National Defense System

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16. 16 Leader Development. Critical thinkers who empower subordinates with intelligence, logistics, guidance, & authority to aggressively execute operations in very complex environment. General purpose troops now fulfilling traditional SF role. Junior leaders need freedom of action in line with SF All units need to be COIN trained before going into theater to include contractors that are training ANSF (ANA/ANP). We have not done this yet. There are not enough forces to provide security for all of Afghanistan. Determine what is important and protect and nurture it. INK SPOT concept viable given the assets and personnel available in Afghanistan. We have not done this yet. There are not enough forces to provide security for all of Afghanistan. Determine what is important and protect and nurture it. INK SPOT concept viable given the assets and personnel available in Afghanistan.

17. 17 Operations conducted with ANSF/ANA/ANP are much more successful than independent actions. POLICE IN THE LEAD; MILITARY SUPPORTING! Don�t change how they fight � make how they fight better/more effective. If you do not fight next to them they will never respect you. If you fight next to them and prove your metal, they will do anything for you. Accept the chaos; don�t try to bring order to it. Learn to thrive in the chaos! Work with your ANA/ANP bretheren. PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS! When you eat or get together with your ANA/ANP partners, truly eat WITH them. The Boy-girl, Boy-girl example Rather than separated but in the same room.Work with your ANA/ANP bretheren. PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS! When you eat or get together with your ANA/ANP partners, truly eat WITH them. The Boy-girl, Boy-girl example Rather than separated but in the same room.

18. 18 On border, war of isolated outposts against a mobile enemy employing guerrilla tactics. Troops needed for interdiction Insurgent sanctuaries denied Speaks to the need for a Civil registry with Bio-metrics The border is 1,600 miles there are 22 manned legal crossing points, 340 unmanned illegal but known crossing points, and hundreds of smuggling points and goat crossings Need sensors and troops.The border is 1,600 miles there are 22 manned legal crossing points, 340 unmanned illegal but known crossing points, and hundreds of smuggling points and goat crossings Need sensors and troops.

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20. 20 COIN is not about a kindler gentler soldier it is about understanding the environment in order gain the appropriate influence using the appropriate tools to gain support of the people.

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31. 31 Area: Address terrain analysis from a civilian perspective Structures: How a structure�s location, function, and capabilities can support or hinder operations Capabilities: Capabilities can refer to the ability key functions and services Organizations: Consider all nonmilitary groups or institutions in the area Cultural, Social, Religious People: All non military persons that military forces encounter in the AO Events: Events are routine, cyclical, planned, or spontaneous: activities that significantly affect organizations, people, and military operations Planning at the tactical level in counterinsurgency operations requires a far greater analysis of civil considerations than in conventional operations. Civil considerations comprise six characteristics. Expressed in memory aid. ASCOPE (Dari: Si-S-Te-Si-M-aH). Recommend having your interpreter write these letters on a board and then explain that ASCOPE is a memory aid in English. Remember that in Counterinsurgency operations the �key terrain� in your analysis of the terrain: Observation, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Obstacles, and Cover and Concealment�is the Afghan people and specifically those within your area of operations. After this class, we suggest looking at US Army and Marine Corps Field Manual 3-24 for more information on using ASCOPE in a counterinsurgency environment. Planning at the tactical level in counterinsurgency operations requires a far greater analysis of civil considerations than in conventional operations. Civil considerations comprise six characteristics. Expressed in memory aid. ASCOPE (Dari: Si-S-Te-Si-M-aH). Recommend having your interpreter write these letters on a board and then explain that ASCOPE is a memory aid in English. Remember that in Counterinsurgency operations the �key terrain� in your analysis of the terrain: Observation, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Obstacles, and Cover and Concealment�is the Afghan people and specifically those within your area of operations. After this class, we suggest looking at US Army and Marine Corps Field Manual 3-24 for more information on using ASCOPE in a counterinsurgency environment.

33. Agenda COMISAF�s Guidance How We Will Lose. How We Help the Afghan People Win! 33

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35. 35 Example of not working/living with the people! You may be with the ANA, THAT�s GOOD! But, are you with the people? Coffee shop commando�s!Example of not working/living with the people! You may be with the ANA, THAT�s GOOD! But, are you with the people? Coffee shop commando�s!

36. 36 Afghan�s do drive like maniacs, but this is �normal�. Chaos is normal, get used to it so you can tell when things aren�t so �normal�!Afghan�s do drive like maniacs, but this is �normal�. Chaos is normal, get used to it so you can tell when things aren�t so �normal�!

37. 37 Destroy shops, chop down trees � BAD! Opium sales!Destroy shops, chop down trees � BAD! Opium sales!

38. 38 When we focus on the insurgents we are doing exactly what the Taliban wants. Most are illiterate farm boys. We are not focusing on the causes nor are we protecting the people!When we focus on the insurgents we are doing exactly what the Taliban wants. Most are illiterate farm boys. We are not focusing on the causes nor are we protecting the people!

39. 39 We have tried this already, did it work? NO!!We have tried this already, did it work? NO!!

40. 40 A deeper understanding of Pashtun/Afghan culture needed to be undertaken: Pashtunwali (�The Way of the Pashtun� ) ---------------------- Badal - Revenge; �Kill one enemy, make ten� Think about it if it was your town! Nang � Honor of the Warrior! FIGHTING IS HONORABLE!!! Equality - 1,000 year old culture based on strict code of family ties are first and foremost. No Pashtun is above another. (Decisions are made as a group not as individuals.) Nanawatey - Mercy to a defeated enemy. The asking for mercy, looked at as asking from a position of weakness. Malmastia - Welcome or refuge. Tribal hospitality and protection. Nikat - The honor of woman. Defending a woman�s honor. A deeper understanding of Pashtun/Afghan culture needed to be undertaken: Pashtunwali (�The Way of the Pashtun� ) ---------------------- Badal - Revenge; �Kill one enemy, make ten� Think about it if it was your town! Nang � Honor of the Warrior! FIGHTING IS HONORABLE!!! Equality - 1,000 year old culture based on strict code of family ties are first and foremost. No Pashtun is above another. (Decisions are made as a group not as individuals.) Nanawatey - Mercy to a defeated enemy. The asking for mercy, looked at as asking from a position of weakness. Malmastia - Welcome or refuge. Tribal hospitality and protection. Nikat - The honor of woman. Defending a woman�s honor.

41. 41 Soviets left in 1989. There was no follow up by them. Ground means nothing, but the population�s security means everything! What message are we sending? CG 201st Corps said, �All we had to do to beat the Russians was get them to leave. To beat me and my soldiers, he must kill us because we have nowhere to go.�Soviets left in 1989. There was no follow up by them. Ground means nothing, but the population�s security means everything! What message are we sending? CG 201st Corps said, �All we had to do to beat the Russians was get them to leave. To beat me and my soldiers, he must kill us because we have nowhere to go.�

42. 42 Need to find out what they need. What do they want? Know what is actually going on!Need to find out what they need. What do they want? Know what is actually going on!

43. 43 You are who you hold hands with! If there are local corrupt officials, you need to get rid of them! PERIOD! If they are just incompetent then you need to teach them!You are who you hold hands with! If there are local corrupt officials, you need to get rid of them! PERIOD! If they are just incompetent then you need to teach them!

44. 44 You need to know what is going on: - Who is who - Who is influential -What is the local history -Who are the power brokers -Everything, everybody, every event in your area - What is the economy and what is it based on - What capabilities does the gov�t have (local, provincial, national) You need to know what is going on: - Who is who - Who is influential -What is the local history -Who are the power brokers -Everything, everybody, every event in your area - What is the economy and what is it based on - What capabilities does the gov�t have (local, provincial, national)

45. 45 Too often we deal with those who speak english, they probably also spoke Russian. We talk to those who are doing well, like those in the gov�t. If you want to know what is not working, talk to the poor. REFUGEEs are a current consideration and future problem as displaced Afghans want to or are forced to return.Too often we deal with those who speak english, they probably also spoke Russian. We talk to those who are doing well, like those in the gov�t. If you want to know what is not working, talk to the poor. REFUGEEs are a current consideration and future problem as displaced Afghans want to or are forced to return.

46. 46 There is an Afghan way to do things: - In Afghanistan it is the village that will decide not the individual. You will have more success bringing back something that they remember verses something totally new (i.e. village project).There is an Afghan way to do things: - In Afghanistan it is the village that will decide not the individual. You will have more success bringing back something that they remember verses something totally new (i.e. village project).

47. 47 If you build something the Afghans asked for they will remember and it will be better. Not listening: - Schools with no teachers is of no benefit, and actually can do more harm (a waste of resources)!If you build something the Afghans asked for they will remember and it will be better. Not listening: - Schools with no teachers is of no benefit, and actually can do more harm (a waste of resources)!

48. 48 Afghan election 2010: - Local gov�t - Local civil serviceAfghan election 2010: - Local gov�t - Local civil service

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